Neighbors Report Rise in Venomous Snake Sightings

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Neighbors in one part of Gainesville are being extra cautious while walking outside after recent reports of multiple venomous snake sightings.

Residents living in the area near Bivens Arm in southwest Gainesville have taken to social media, claiming to have seen multiple water moccasins -- or cottonmouths -- while outside walking, all within the past week.

While there has been no documented increase in the number of cottonmouth snakes so far this year, experts say if it seems like there is more of them, it may have something to do with their food source.

"In some places in Florida, cottonmouths main food is frogs, and frog activity has increased," said Max Nickerson, Curator of Herpetology at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Experts say in general, snakes tend to become more active when the weather gets warmer.

Nickerson says if you see a cottonmouth, you should simply try and walk away without disturbing it.

If you or a pet happens to get bitten by one, he says it's important to immediately seek medical attention to avoid any long-term effects or even death.